Have you ever been rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash and wondered, “Why should I use Mouthwash?” You are probably not alone in that thought. We use mouthwash without knowing the true benefits it offers in our daily cleaning routines. This article will help shed some light on what this mysterious liquid and how to have a good daily mouth care routine.
There are two different types of mouthwash:
Therapeutic mouthwashes – These can help reduce bad breath, plaque, cavities, and gingivitis. The ones that contain fluoride also reduce the chance of tooth decay. Some therapeutic mouthwashes require your dentist to prescribe.
Cosmetic mouthwashes – These do not reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. It might assist with bad breath.
Ask Dr. Lin which mouthwash he recommends next time you go to Smiles of Round Lake for your Regular dental checkup. It is a good rule of thumb to look for a mouthwash that has the American Dental Association (ADA) on the bottle because it has produced evidence demonstrating the safety and efficiency of the product. The Mayo Clinic recommends using one with fluoride.
How to use mouthwash
Mouthwash itself is not enough to keep your teeth clean. The best time to use mouthwash is after your teeth have been cleaned by brushing and flossing. It is pretty simple to use. It is always important to read the instructions on the label of the bottle first and follow those directions. Simply pour a small amount into your mouth, swish it around for 30 to 60 seconds and spit it out.
With Mouthwash, it seems the real question is how soon you should rinse your mouth after cleaning because it could wash away the possible fluoride in your toothpaste designed to protect your teeth. The quick answer is, that it doesn’t matter. It is, however, recommended that you wait for 30 minutes if you are using fluoride toothpaste to rinse your mouth out. This will allow the fluoride time to protect your teeth.
Please note that mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years old because they might accidentally swallow large amounts.
Common ingredients found in Mouthwash
These are usually the active ingredients in therapeutic mouthwashes. This may vary by brand.
- Chlorhexidine – helps to control plaque and gingivitis
- Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) – Reduces bad breath
- Peroxide – Whitens teeth
- Fluoride – Prevents tooth decay
- Essential Oils – Helps to control plaque and gingivitis
Hopefully, you have found this blog about mouthwash helpful. Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine will help kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh, as long as proper brushing and flossing habits are in place.
Want more information about dental care? Are you overdue for a teeth cleaning or oral exam? At Smiles of Round Lake, Dr. Lin is here to assist you. Contact us online or give us a call at 847-546-1542 to schedule your appointment, and take control of your oral health.